RESUMEN
Under study was the functional state of erythrocytes and hemoglobin in 57 patients with cancer of the cardia during the combined therapy, including preoperative gamma-radiation and surgery. The following tests were employed: the total hemoglobin content (Hb), the number of erythrocytes, hematocrit (Ht), average content and concentration of Hb in an erythrocyte, the level of fetal Hb, acid erythrograms, the reaction of transhemination, catalase and peroxidase activity, the erythrocyte volume. It was found that the patients examined developed anemia, associated with the reduced acid resistance of erythrocytes and a delayed rate of oxygen delivery to the tissues. Preoperative telegamma therapy renders preoperatively (the initial 24--48 hours) no appreciable effect on the condition of erythrocytes and Hb function. Postoperatively, greater shifts were noted in patients subjected to radiation therapy. There is an increased content of Hb, Ht, fetal Hb, average content and concentration of Hb in erythrocytes, an enhanced reaction of transhemination.